VALDOSTA —
No doubt about it. South Georgia and the rest of America face challenging times. Each person has felt the effects of these challenges in some way: Furloughs, layoffs, unfilled positions, lack of pay raises, profit reductions, lowered sales.
Yet, as each individual and each family has felt the economic impact in some way during these early years of the 21st century, many of us can play some small part in helping those who have been hit by far more challenges than ourselves.
The United Way is an organization designed to help people cope with life’s challenges, whether it is funding to an organization that helps meet the needs of one person at a time, or an organization that meets the needs of the entire community.
The United Way helps community organizations that help the community.
The United Way is far short of its needed $1 million. As of last weekend, the Greater Valdosta United Way had raised only 31 percent of its goal.
The United Way could use a little more of Valdosta and Lowndes County’s legendary generosity.
Especially now, because more of our residents, neighbors, colleagues, employees, friends, and families still need more, expect more, from the United Way in the year to come. The United Way needs those funds so local organizations can meet those needs.
Some may think they cannot give now because they are worried they may need that extra money down the road. Some may think they have given enough.
Given the harsh mood, some may grouse that it’s every person for themselves, or if people worked harder, they wouldn’t need help.
Still, consider this: If you have the money now, give it. Consider it a good investment. In challenging times, one never knows. You may be helping yourself.
It may well be you who needs the services of the United Way in the months to come.
There but for the grace of God ...
What We Think
United Way needs your help
- What We Think
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How should we handle the mentally ill?
Nearly 20 percent of our state’s population suffers from a form of mental illness, with around 4 percent suffering from acute mental illness. It’s a significant health issue in Georgia.
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To all South Georgia graduates. Congratulations on your success in completing school and best wishes on your continued success in the future.
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New era at the Boys and Girls Club
Next week on June 1, it will be the official end of an era at the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta when Robert Soper hands over responsibility for the organization to the new Chief Professional Officer Jim Wink.
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Thank you, EMS
We always pull over for them, but we rarely seem to thank them.
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Tornado: An aftermath of help
Seeing the massive path of destruction left in the wake of tornadoes in Oklahoma Monday was a sobering reminder of the power of spring storms.
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Thoughts on graduation
Graduation ceremonies reflect how life marches on. For the students receiving their diplomas and degrees, graduation is a culmination of the majority of their lives’ work.
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To Dr. John Gaston, retiring dean of Valdosta State University’s College of the Arts. For the past 10-plus years, Gaston has worked to build a more interconnected program with various artistic and communications departments working together. Given that you are likely to see one College of the Arts department collaborating with another during events is proof of Gaston’s success.
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On the go this weekend
Take a breath.
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Sharing the roads with motorcycles
With the recent pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, the number of motorcycles on area roads has increased.
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Thank your local law enforcement today
Today, May 15, was designated Peace Officers Memorial Day back in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy was in office.
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How should we handle the mentally ill?
